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Sixty per cent of UK species in decline, groundbreaking study finds

Wednesday 22nd May 2013

UK nature is in trouble – that is the conclusion of a groundbreaking report published today by a coalition of leading conservation and research organisations.

Scientists working side-by-side from 25 wildlife organisations have compiled a stock take of our native species – the first of its kind in the UK. The report reveals that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether.

Commenting on the report Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “Even in the wilds of beautiful Northumberland, there is evidence of declining biodiversity - from black grouse to hedgehogs. As this report states, the situation is more worrying than we had perhaps appreciated locally as we see the countryside as being largely unspoilt and natural in many areas.

“The report underlines the need more than ever for a joined up approach to conservation and to work at the bigger scale to interconnect wildlife and their environs.”

Conservation experts in the North East are particularly concerned about the state of nature in the uplands. According to the report, out of the 886 upland species for which there is information, 65% of them have declined.

Nick Adams, the RSPB’s Conservation Manager for the North East, said: “Many of the species that are in trouble live in the extensive upland areas of the region. These range from bilberry bumblebees and large heath butterflies to lapwings and curlews, which are the symbol of the Northumberland National Park. More species have become extinct in the uplands than any other area so we have to act now to protect this precious and fragile habitat.”

The State of Nature report will be launched by Sir David Attenborough and UK conservation charities at the Natural History Museum in London this evening (May 22), while simultaneous events will be held in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

Sir David Attenborough said: “This groundbreaking report is a stark warning – but it is also a sign of hope.

“For 60 years I have travelled the world exploring the wonders of nature and sharing that wonder with the public. But as a boy my first inspiration came from discovering the UK’s own wildlife.

“Our islands have a rich diversity of habitats which support some truly amazing plants and animals. We should all be proud of the beauty we find on our own doorstep; from bluebells carpeting woodland floors and delicately patterned fritillary butterflies, to the graceful basking shark and the majestic golden eagle soaring over the Scottish mountains.

“This report shows that our species are in trouble, with many declining at a worrying rate. However, we have in this country a network of passionate conservation groups supported by millions of people who love wildlife. The experts have come together today to highlight the amazing nature we have around us and to ensure that it remains here for generations to come.”

Dr Mark Eaton, a lead author on the report, said: “This report reveals that the UK’s nature is in trouble - overall we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate.

“These declines are happening across all countries and UK Overseas Territories, habitats and species groups, although it is probably greatest amongst insects, such as our moths, butterflies and beetles. Other once
common species like the lesser spotted woodpecker, garden tiger moth and hedgehog are vanishing before our eyes.

“Reliable data on these species goes back just fifty years, at most, but we know that there has been a historical pattern of loss in the UK going back even further. Threats including sweeping habitat loss, changes to the way we manage our countryside, and the more recent impact of climate change, have had a major impact on our wildlife, and they are not going away.

“None of this work would have been possible without the army of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts who spend their spare time surveying species and recording their findings. Our knowledge of nature in the UK would be significantly poorer without these unsung heroes, and that knowledge is the most essential tool that conservationists have.”